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→Examples in the New World
In the New World, Aztec belief also put sacrifice, similar to many Old World beliefs, as a key concept in how humans related to the gods. In this case, though, sacrifice was simply to keep the gods happy, as they owed them a blood debt, otherwise the anger of the gods could turn day into night and destroy even light. Human sacrifice was thus intended to be the ultimate sacrifice given to the gods to repay this debt and keep them happy. The ancient Maya did worship Hunab-Ku, who is a type of all knowing and powerful god. Purpose in life was similarly to make the gods happy through sacrifice, although the Maya also believed their lives could be tied to the fate of their calendar that would expire in the cycle of destruction and recreation experienced at the end of each Earth. In at least one known set of Inca beliefs, Viracocha was the supreme creator god, who is symbolized by the sun and storms. This god gives and makes life possible. However, humans were only a second attempt, as the first beings on Earth were giants. Nevertheless, humanity owes its existence to Viracocha and, in cases, this sacrifice demanded human sacrifice. In a similar manner, humanity was ruled by the hierarhcy of gods with Viracocha at the top, with humanity also owing gods a type of blood debt.
In the Algonquin tradition, Gitche Manitou was a spirit being who created life. All things had balance with other life, in the concept of Manitou, which is similar to beliefs such as Shintoism. In this case, beings are not in a type of hierarchy of power with their creator but there is a balance in life that attempts to maintain harmony in the world through different forms of life, with humans being one of these forms. This lack of clear hierarchy of power distinguishes it from Old World beliefs that generally emphasized a hierarchy of power among gods and beings. Hopi mythology also emphasizes balance and harmony. Tawa is the creator spirit, but things, including humans, are created to be in harmony with each other. The Kachina dancers and masks that Hopi wore were intended to help maintain harmony in the world, preventing chaos from reigning, which may initiate the end of the world. In general, North American native communities displayed far less hierarchy in the relationship between spirits/gods and humanities, emphasizing connective relationships that keeps a type of balance or harmoney.
==Modern Relevance==
